It will be interesting to watch the reaction tonight during introductions at sold-out BBVA Compass Stadium, where U.S. international Clint Dempsey will make his second MLS appearance of 2013, likely starting for Sigi Schmid’s Sounders against Houston.

Dempsey is from the East Texas town of Nacogdoches, about two hours and change from the Houston Dynamo’s orange-washed downtown ground.

Early reports indicated Dempsey and his massive asking price may have been dangled before the Dynamo. The Dynamo, under partial ownership of boxer Oscar de la Hoya, don’t generally have the big money trees growing around the facility the way Seattle and Los Angeles seem to. So that was never going to happen.

In fact, Dynamo management quickly said that if Dempsey was ever available for the Orange, that’s news to them.

Still, you wonder about the reaction of Dynamo fans, about whether any hard feelings linger? (Unfair though they may be; maybe the Dynamo fans don’t read ProSoccerTalk as much as they should?)

It will also be interesting as we continue to watch what the Dempsey Delirium does to impact road attendance. It’s a big myth around MLS that namey names like Dempsey’s will move the attendance needle in a significant way. David Beckham did – but he’s a fairly unique figure, a true global icon. A few others have, but even then in mostly underwhelming measures.

Tonight’s match at BBVA Compass Stadium is sold out, but that’s not exactly unusual. Houston averages 19,916 per match this year, about 2,000 under capacity.

“maybe the Dynamo fans don’t read ProSoccerTalk as much as they should?)”

Quite a clever plug our there, Steve. Clint Dempsey’s arrival (return) to MLS might not create the same effect as Beckham did; Nevertheless, the fact that an American who earned his stripes in an elite football league has created a stir among American media which only raises and legitimize the league’s profile as it continues to grow. I like this signing in many ways and let’s hope more MLS teams get out of the safety net or MLS womb to try to hire great footballers in their late 20’s/early 30’s and to keep great young hometown players in a football league that continues to grow every day to the disappointing wishes of some out there.

No argument on any of that. Indeed, the elements you mentioned represent the true value of such a signing. I was just pointing out the fallacy that says big signings automatically means a rush on the ticket gate.